First time making my own saltwater questions

[dive girl]

I've done the search-thing and read through older threads. I love the idea about the paint mixer on my drill, so I'll get that today.
I made the ro/di water last night (20G), added salt using a whisk to mix it along with 2 nano powerheads. It's now aging with the two powerheads and two small heaters going.
I was planning on using it on Saturday, which would be between 36-48 hours since it was made.
If I'm using the two Koralia nanos (rated at 240gph each) to aerate it after mixing; is that enough power for 20G salt?
Also, I'm mixing it in a rubber/plastic rubbish can. I put the lid on it to keep any debris out of the water, I just realized that might not be the best idea as how is gas exchange going to happen if I don't allow gas in??? What would you do? Keep the lid off? Put a towel over the top?

 

[invertcrazy]

I usually do mine without a top. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about, you're gonna use the water tomorrow. I also think the water will be mixed just fine with the powerheads you have. I'm sure others will voice their opinions

 

[lil.guppy]

Im new at this myself but I have not had any problems with my salt levels doing this....
I pour 2 gallons of RO into a 2.5 gallon bucket
I add what I think is the right amount of salt
Take a plastic spoon and mix back and forth but not in a circle
Test the salt level
Add more water or salt if needed
Then I use a water pitcher and pour it VERY slowly into the tank.
That is what I do, and I am sure others would disagree with my method but its working for me so far.

 

[slider101]

Hey I am sure everyone will say I am wrong but the way I do it is I have 6-5 gal water jugs like for a water cooler. I fill with RO and then funnel in the right amount of salt. I just shake and roll them around on the floor real good till there is no visable salt left, everything is dissolved. Cap it and let it sit until I need it. I have even added it a few minutes after mixing. I dont have anything fragile in my tank right now however that would be sensitive to it. I just pick the container in and pour 5 gals in. Works for me. I would like to get a small air pump though.

 

[reefaholic33]

Your method is great. Exactly what I do and I have a sps lps mixed tank. I keep lids on mine but they are not air tight, I keep them on to help with evaporation. Just be sure to test salinity more than an hour after mixing it and adjust.

 

[pbienkiewi]

I do the same as you slider. I sometimes even add a heater into my 5 gallon jugs to warm them up. Unplug the heater from one jug then put in into another 5 gal jug. I then shake my 1st 5 gallon jug then shake it up.

 

[slider101]

Originally Posted by pbienkiewi
http:///forum/post/2916689
I do the same as you slider. I sometimes even add a heater into my 5 gallon jugs to warm them up. Unplug the heater from one jug then put in into another 5 gal jug. I then shake my 1st 5 gallon jug then shake it up.

Has worked for me!

 

[dive girl]

Did the wter change today. Tested the new water for specific gravity, salinity, ph and phosphate prior to using. Everything looks good and everyone looks happy. Thanks for all the input!